Despite the fact that the borders remain closed, the tourist market is bustling. Specialized structures argue among themselves concerning the launch of international flights. Some believe that the resumption of flights may take place in the 20 days of July. Others believe that the border will be closed until late autumn. Meanwhile, the CPS has already been called the first country where you can fly the Russians. However, compiling this list, the Agency decided not to consult with operators. Apparently, the authorities fear that the tourists at the moment will refuse to travel to domestic resorts and will carry the remaining money in the long time favorite Turkey.
Previously, the CPS presented a plan to open international destinations. Restoration of air links will be held in two stages. First, the aircraft needs to fly to nine European countries, China, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Vietnam. The list was immediately criticized by participants of the tourist market. According to them, the list is neither reciprocity nor epidemiological criteria: for example, in Mongolia recorded outbreak of bubonic plague.
tour Operators insist that the primary list includes the most popular directions — Turkey, Spain, Greece, Cyprus. The interests of market players can understand, as people immediately rushed to buy tours to these countries and would bring welcome income to the operators. But against the CPS.
According to the head of Department of analytical researches “Higher school of financial management” Michael Kogan, announced by the Department a preliminary plan for the resumption of foreign flights do not include countries that could act as competitors for the Russian resorts. “For example, it is a favorite with many Turkey, which last year was visited by almost 7 million Russians. The decision may be political,” — said the expert.
In late may, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has estimated that tourism industry employs 2.5 million workers, and together with related industries — 5-6 million, and many of them are under risk of dismissal. Apparently. To prevent such developments, the authorities pointedly focus on the development of domestic tourism. But what about the other millions of Russians – the potential tourists, which is, relatively speaking, nice Turkish shore?
“it is clear that the appearance in the list “exit” countries such as Turkey, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Montenegro, the epidemiological situation which does not cause serious concern, would have supported only the airlines but not hoteliers. At the same time, this list is Italy, a holiday in which, however, may seem more expensive than other countries. Those who dreamed about a beach holiday, and who does not letit Italy, you will have to be content with the Crimea and Kuban, or to revise their plans and go on a “cultural journey” in European countries,” continues Kogan.
the Main thing when opening outbound tourism – to prevent the rise in the incidence of coronavirus, and to avoid a situation when abroad can again stuck Russian tourists. After all, there is a real danger of a second wave of the pandemic that cannot be ignored, said the first Vice-President of “OPORA Russia” Paul Segal.
“Money spent by Russians on domestic tourism, here at anything, — says the expert. — Yes, there is an increased demand for holidays in domestic destinations, because tourism is still closed. But only the part of the Russians will go to foreign resorts, when the ban will be lifted. Their own clientele from the Russian popular destinations still remain.”
Segal said that while fully lift the ban on international flights too early, despite the loss of the tourism industry. CPS listens to the recommendations of epidemiologists and primarily concerned to prevent the second wave of the pandemic in our country. What could happen when tourists begin to return from overseas travel. “There can be no solutions that will satisfy everyone – doctors, tourists, and government agencies. You need to weigh all the risks and then make a final decision”, — said the interlocutor of “MK”.
Note that the decision to resume international scheduled and Charter flights take together Rospotrebnazdor, Federal air transport Agency, the Ministry of transport and Ministry of foreign Affairs. On the basis of letters of Rosaviatsii the industry from July 2, to rely on a waiver of limitations until August 1, not worth it. A further extension of this ban will depend entirely from the development in the world situation with the dynamics COVID-19.
meanwhile, according to the Russian Union of travel industry, the industry’s losses over the past six months has already reached 1.5 trillion rubles. According to experts, will take at least a year and a half, so the industry returned to pre-crisis volumes . And this is assuming that the borders will open again….
the Most popular destinations of the departure of Russians abroad in 2019
Turkey (6.9 million trips, an increase 2018 +18,5%)
Abkhazia (4.8 million trips, +6,5%)
Finland (3.9 million trips, +7.9 per cent)
Kazakhstan (3.4 million trips, +7,5%)
China (2.6 million trips, +13,5%)
Ukraine (2.5 million trips, + 10,5%)
Estonia (1.8 million trips, +0,8%)
Germany (1.4 million trips, +1.30 percent)
Italy (1.3 million trips, +16.7 per cent)
Thailand (1.2 million trips +0,6%)
Source: border guard service of the FSB of Russia
